Living on Purpose
“I have come to give you everything in abundance, more than you expect —life in its fullness until you overflow!” John 10:10
We’re halfway through the MADE FOR MORE series and God is already using this talk on “purpose” to activate us. If we are honest, the idea of “finding our purpose” can feel a bit daunting at times.
God has promised us a life that is full, overflowing with joy. This scripture in John does not express a lack or void on the inside of us, rather it is encouraging us that God has MORE. He wants us to be fulfilled on the inside, and to live full, rich lives that excite us. That might feel like a huge jump from where you’re standing today. I can assure you, this fullness and abundance is available to you now—no matter what season you are in. If you are a mom homeschooling young children, if you are in full time school or working many hours just trying to pay bills, whatever season you are in—there is purpose.
Our main purpose is to make a difference in the lives around us. We cannot have purpose apart from people! So, our first step is to ask, who has God placed around me? Who am I spending time with—family, coworkers, classmates, spouse, neighbors, Starbucks barista (!). All these people are in your life for a purpose.
My dad is a great example of a purpose-filled life. Not because he was in full time ministry—he actually worked on job sites restoring cooling towers, doing sterilizations working long 12-14 hour days. You might ask how could he find purpose in a season like that? Most of the jobsites were an hour away and, on that drive, one or two of his crew members would ride with him. He would spend that time sharing his life and faith with whoever was in his passenger seat. Simple stories, care and encouragement began to change the lives of the men he worked with. Over a decade later, I still know some of these guys and they will say to me “your dad saved my life.” And they mean it. If it wasn’t for the time spent with him, hearing about God’s goodness, and being loved by a father figure, they wouldn’t be where they are now.
God wants to use you in the same way. Who can you encourage, share your story with, pray for that needs Jesus? Every small step you take is like a ripple effect. We may think it’s small—it was just a phone call, or a coffee or a smile—but God works through these purpose-filled actions and does something mighty through us! God isn’t waiting for you to rearrange your life, move to a mission field, give up your job or family… he wants you to live your purpose right where you are planted. You may be surprised to find a fulfillment you’ve never known and get to watch God show up for you and the people around you!
-Pastor Cari